Every year on 20 March, World Oral Health Day is observed and the day aims to raise awareness about oral health by promoting oral hygiene, reduce various risk factors that lead to oral diseases and educate people about oral health. Create awareness to access services. So what exactly is oral health? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Oral health is the condition of the mouth, teeth and orofacial structures that enables individuals to perform essential functions such as eating, breathing and speaking, and includes psychosocial dimensions such as self-confidence. existence and the ability to socialize and function without pain, discomfort, and embarrassment.”
World Oral Health Day: Symptoms of Oral Health Issues
WHO also noted that “oral diseases are among the most common non-communicable diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 3.5 billion people”. Dr Renju Jose, Head of Department and Professor, Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology at Amrita Hospital shared, “The mouth is a reflection of the body, which makes it important to take care of it. The gingiva or gums hug the teeth, supporting and nourishing them Giving. Maintaining the health of the gums and teeth requires proper dental hygiene.”
Dr. Jose says that a multitude of symptoms can indicate a dental health problem. These symptoms include:
- bad breath
- loose teeth
- Swelling and bleeding gums
- Mouth sores
World Oral Health Day: Basic Dental Care Practice
Dr. Renju Jose has shared with us the following dental health exercises and easy tips to follow to take care of your teeth and gums:
1. Brushing, cleaning the tongue: Plaque and stones act as a bacterial reservoir from which bacteria can enter the body, causing systemic complications. Some home practices that must be followed scrupulously include brushing your teeth twice daily, followed by tongue cleaning and flossing. One can incorporate an alcohol-free mouthwash into the routine. Massaging the gums in a circular motion at least once a day has been observed to improve their health by increasing blood flow.
2. Visit the dentist: A bi-annual visit to the dentist and a subsequent comprehensive cleaning are recommended to remove calculus that has adhered to the surface of the teeth but is otherwise left behind after brushing. Fillings, removable appliances and dentures should be inspected regularly. Improper or displaced fillings will promote plaque accumulation and progression of caries. Secondly, the sharp edges can damage the oral mucosa. Poorly fitting dentures can accumulate food debris, which can lead to a fungal infection with white to yellow patches on the tongue. They are often accompanied by a halitosis and a change in taste.
Also read: Dental Care Tips – How To Stop Bad Breath? Reasons and steps to follow, check what experts say
3. Check for ulcers and bleeding gums: Recurrent ulcers, painful swelling, and bleeding gums may have an underlying nutritional or immunological cause that needs to be recognized and eliminated. Tissue growth on the gums can be the result of pus accumulation from the associated tooth, trauma, or constant irritation. Differentiating and treating them will help prevent further complications.
4. Replace Broken Teeth: Missing teeth must be replaced with prostheses that, in turn, will preserve the integrity of the covering mucosa and the bone beneath.
5. Quit Bad Habits: Habits like chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes have a negative effect on the health of the gums. Smoking is associated with increased incidence of gingivitis, periodontitis, and malignancy in the oral cavity, while chewing tobacco increases gingival recession, exposes the root surface of the tooth, leading to accumulation of plaque and calculus, and Eventually periodontitis occurs.
Remember, taking care of your oral health is much more than just cosmetic and can prevent many serious and even fatal complications. As Dr. Renju Jose explains, “Following these simple steps will reduce your risk of systemic complications such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and oral complications such as oral cancer. Additionally, it can give you better teeth and gums, fresher breath, will provide fewer dental visits, and a brighter smile.”